Family

It's a Grand Old Holiday

Take Pat Boone's advice--revel in the area's many patriotic celebrations of the Fourth.

"The Fourth of July gives us a chance to be unabashedly patriotic," says entertainer Pat Boone.

And that's just what he plans to do Sunday, appearing in two of the Southland's biggest Fourth of July celebrations. Perhaps the epitome of an all-American guy, Boone proudly notes that patriotism is in his blood--Daniel Boone is his forebear.

So it's appropriate that he'll roll through the streets of Huntington Beach as the grand marshal of the 95th annual Fourth of July parade, and then in the evening headline the San Fernando Valley's Independence Day celebration at Cal State Northridge.

"The Fourth of July reminds us, hopefully, of the things about America that we can't take for granted," he says. "If we don't keep remembering and we don't celebrate, we're going to lose it."

The celebration in Huntington Beach begins at 10 a.m. with the parade, which typically draws 300,000 spectators. The event will be televised, on Orange County's KDOC-TV, which Boone happens to own. There will be fireworks in the evening at the Huntington Beach High School stadium, where a pre-show features music and vendors. 1905 Main St., Huntington Beach. Admission is $5; younger than 2, free. Advance purchase suggested: (714) 374-1535.

At 2 p.m. Sunday, gates open for the Independence Day celebration at Cal State Northridge, offering food booths, children's rides and games along with the performance by Boone at about 8:30 p.m. Fireworks will cap off the evening. Tickets, $8; children under 12 and seniors, $5. Parking after 4 p.m., $3. (818) 349-5676.

Expect a huge "kaboom" on Sunday at the L.A. Fairplex. The 13th annual Independence Day celebration is sure to rattle some panes with ground and air fireworks, preceded by infield activities beginning at 3 p.m., including a skydiving show, BMX demonstrations, carnival rides, pony rides, a petting farm and a classic car show. Headlining on the main stage is Elvis impersonator Raymond Michael. 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona. Adults, $5 to $12; ages 12 and younger, $3 to $6; 5 and younger, free in unreserved seats. Parking, $5 at Gate 17. (909) 623-3111.

Two days of festivities in La Verne include a country fair with rides, crafts and entertainment, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. A parade down D Street starts at 10 a.m. Saturday; at 7:30 p.m., D Street will be closed for a street dance. On Sunday, gates open at 6 p.m. for a performance by the Fabs, followed by fireworks at Bonita High School, 3102 D St. Fireworks: $6; ages 5 to 12, $5. (909) 596-8700.

Fireworks will fly after the Dodgers' game against the Giants on Sunday. Game time is 6:35 p.m. Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., Los Angeles. Tickets: $6 to $16. (323) 224-1448.

The Rose Bowl also will be aglow with fireworks following the L.A. Galaxy's soccer game against Miami. Game time is 7:30 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena. General admission, $9 to $17. Gates open at 5:45 p.m. Ticketmaster: (213) 480-3232.

Head to the shore for the Marina del Rey Fireworks Spectacular. Burton Chase Park, Fisherman's Village and Dock 52 lot offer the best views of the fireworks, scheduled for 9 p.m. Free. (310) 305-9545.

Also in Long Beach, a carnival will fill the Queen Mary Events Park over the weekend, with fireworks each night at 9 p.m. over Long Beach Harbor. Games, rides and food vendors will be open Friday, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Admission is free.